0 users online

Pogrebnyak remains optimistic of Fulham contract

Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak remains optimistic regarding his chances of agreeing terms with Fulham, but is planning on staying in England regardless of the outcome in ongoing contract talks with the Cottagers.

The Russia international proved to be a shrewd January investment by Fulham boss Martin Jol, as he secured the 28-year-old's services on a short-term deal.

Pogrebnyak arrived in England with a reputation forged in Russia and Germany as a hard-working frontman.

He also knows the way to goal, though, and burst out of the blocks at Craven Cottage, netting five times in his first three games.

Fulham are keen to retain his services for the foreseeable future, but he is now out of contract and weighing up his options ahead of his participation at Euro 2012.

"After three or four months, I feel that I have found my place in England and I want to play in this league," Pogrebnyak told Sport-Express.

"I feel great desire and strength inside me and my age will not work against me.

"We couldn't agree anything with Fulham so far, but I hope everything will be alright.

"If I don't play for Fulham, I hope to find another team.

"It would be good to sort this out before the European Championship, because there is a risk there. Anything could happen, and if you get injured then no-one will want to sign you."

It has been suggested that Pogrebnyak could be lured back to his homeland by former employers Spartak Moscow, but he maintains that his preference would be to remain in England.

"Last year I said I didn't want to go back to Russia and since then Russian football hasn't really progressed," he said.

"If you play in England, that's the best thing that can happen to you. You have to take this chance."